Latest news with #BritishBeekeepersAssociation
Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Ministers told to ‘get a grip' on Asian hornets
Ministers have been urged to 'get a grip' on the threat of Asian hornets in Britain as the number of sightings has surged by at least 150 per cent in a year. The population of Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, in the UK has soared since they first arrived in 2016. One nest of the apex predators can kill 11 kilograms' worth of insects in a single year, and they pose a particular threat to Britain's bee populations as well as to food production. Experts have warned that this year could be the worst ever for Asian hornets in the UK, and authorities must take advantage of the 'window of opportunity' before they become fully established. The National Bee Unit, part of the Government's Animal & Plant Health Agency, has said that there had been 73 credible sightings in the UK to the end of July. This is up from 28 over the same period last year, an increase of more than 160 per cent. The organisation has also found 28 nests so far this year. One nest can be home to up to 3,000 Asian hornets. Ian Campell, of the British Beekeepers Association, told The Telegraph that this year appeared to be a 'surge year' for yellow-legged hornets, in part because of the weather. 'There is significant worry that this year is going to be ahead of 2023, which is the worst year we've had so far,' he warned. He said that the authorities must act as Britain was 'in a window of opportunity' to eradicate the species before it became fully established. 'The only way we're going to beat this and eradicate it is if every nest gets reported and every nest gets eradicated,' he said. 'They're not getting every nest each year at the moment'. The invasive species is mostly found in Kent and East Sussex. Experts say that they mostly come into the country via trucks and other vehicles. But they are also known to be able to fly across the Channel if backed by strong winds. Each nest can produce over 350 queens, which can go on to start new colonies the following year if they survive the winter. It has emerged that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has only one staff member on call at any one time to destroy hornet nests, on a rota system. The department said that it can pool additional resources when required. Demands for task force The Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of not taking the issue sufficiently seriously and demanded Defra set up a task force to deal with the problem. Martin Wrigley, the MP for Newton Abbot, said: 'The previous Conservative government was asleep at the wheel in their response to Asian hornets so the government has got to wake up to the risks and get a grip on this invasive species now – especially ahead of August and September, when new females are born. 'We urgently need a fully fleshed task force dedicated to this invasive insect to reduce delays between reporting nests and their destruction. It's time this Government took our biodiversity and the safety of our communities seriously.' The insects were first discovered in Britain in 2016, having crossed over from Europe. It is thought they entered Europe after an Asian hornet queen was accidentally imported from China. Between 2016 and 2022 there were 23 confirmed sightings in the UK, including 13 nests, a number dwarfed by figures in recent years. Mr Campbell said that the surge represented significant risks to biodiversity, domestic food production and public health. He pointed to a case last month where a 67-year-old man in France died after being stung while mowing the lawn and a nest fell from a tree and onto the ground beside him. While a single hornet is unlikely to cause injury if left alone, they can become very aggressive if their nests are disturbed. The insects can also cause significant damage to certain crops, with Mr Campbell warning this could have a knock-on impact on food production. 'In Kent and surrounding counties there is a huge amount of fruit production and vineyards. The hornets will damage the fruit and that will have an impact on those businesses.' Laboratory-confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in 2025 are up to 37 so far, compared to 21 the previous year. The number of individual Asian hornets or nests officially spotted this year is only three fewer than the overall number in 2024. A spokesman for the Animal and Plant Health Agency said: 'Our highly skilled staff work 24/7 to tackle the threat of invasive non-native species, which cost the economy nearly £2bn a year. 'The yellow-legged hornet response, as with other outbreaks, is managed through a roster of trained nest destructors and inspectors that is scaled up as required based on reports and seasonal fluctuations.' They added that it was not 'unexpected to see more reports of sightings' due to increasing public awareness of the insects.
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to spray one item immediately as Asian hornets spotted in UK
Asian hornets have an aggressive tendency to disrupt the ecosystem, and these flying bugs can also pack a painful sting if they come into contact with humans UK households have been warned over a terrifying hornet that destroys bees and flowers – but luckily there's one item you can spray to keep them away. Asian hornets are a highly invasive species that are known to decimate bee populations and ravage ecosystems. They were accidentally introduced to the UK in 2016 and their numbers in Britain are growing. As of June, there have been 24 sightings of Asian hornets that have been confirmed by lab tests. Meanwhile, according to the National Bee Unit, 39 'credible' sightings have been reported so far this year and there are others are awaiting confirmation. All you need is peppermint oil and a spray bottle. Clancy Bros Pest Control writes: 'You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to spray areas.' Peppermint repels hornets due to its strong, pungent scent, which disrupts their sense of smell on account of naturally occurring compounds like menthol and menthone. This is believed to lead them to avoid certain areas. However, if you're not a massive fan of the smell of peppermint, there are some other viable options. They suggest: 'Cinnamon and cloves are effective in keeping wasps and hornets away as well.' Asian hornets are on the rise in the UK New data suggests that their numbers are increasing. At this point in 2025, there have been 20 sightings of Asian hornets, compared to the same stage in 2023, where there had been just four. The vast majority of recent sightings have been in Kent, though hornets have also been captured in East Sussex and Hampshire. However, one sighting still awaiting lab confirmation was made as far north as Mordon in County Durham. The National Bee Unit says nine Asian hornet nests have been destroyed already this year. Last year, 24 nests were destroyed, and in 2023, a record 72 hornet nests were destroyed. The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is calling for help from the public to help detect this 'highly aggressive predator which causes a significant risk to honey bees and other pollinators in the UK'. The reason they pose such a cause for concern is because they prey on native pollinators, like bumblebees. In fact, just one Asian hornet is capable of killing and eating between 60 to 90 bumblebees in a day. They can also "hawk" hives at any given moment by killing off all of the bees. They also pose a threat to humans. These yellow-legged insects are slightly larger than average wasps and pack a vicious sting. While no more dangerous than a wasp or bee sting, in some cases they can cause symptoms like runny nose, abdominal pain and lip or tongue swelling. Plus, those with allergies to insects should be careful. In the case of a severe reaction, they may go into anaphylactic shock. How to spot an Asian hornet While it can be hard to determine if you've found an Asian hornet or a regular wasp in your garden, there are some tell-tale signs. Aside from their distinctive yellow legs, Asian hornets have a wide orange stripe on the fourth section of their abdomen, according to the British Beekeepers Association. The group is now urging everyone to report any sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app, though a BBKA spokesperson has warned: 'It is important not to approach or disturb a nest, as although they are not generally aggressive towards people, they can be if they perceive a threat.'
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Asian hornet horror as record numbers invade Britain with worst areas mapped
More Asian hornets have been spotted than ever before in Britain, with beekeepers calling on the public to help detect the 'highly aggressive predator' this summer Britain is braced for a record year of invasive Asian hornets, with more sightings of the yellow-legged killer pest so far this year than ever before. The species are believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004, and ever since have posed a serious threat to the UK's native insects, including honey bees. As well as their differing appearance from wasps and other hornets with their yellow legs, they are more likely to aggressively sting unprovoked. As of June, 30 sightings of bee-killing Asian hornets have been confirmed by lab tests. However, according to the National Bee Unit, 39 "credible" sightings have been reported so far this year, with more awaiting confirmation. At this point in 2024, there had been 20 sightings of Asian hornets, while at this stage of 2023, there had been just four. Of the most recent confirmed sightings, the vast majority have been in Kent, but hornets have also been captured in Sussex and Hampshire. However, one of the sightings still awaiting lab confirmation was made as far north as Mordon in County Durham. The National Bee Unit says nine Asian hornet nests have been destroyed already this year. Last year, 24 nests were found and destroyed. In 2023, a record 72 hornet nests were destroyed. The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is calling for help from the public to help detect this "highly aggressive predator which causes a significant risk to honey bees and other pollinators in the UK". Beekeepers are worried because a single hornet can kill between 60 to 90 honeybees in a day, and groups of them will "hawk" a hive at any one time by decimating the bees. Yellow-legged Asian hornets are easily identifiable due to their very dark body and wide orange stripes on the fourth abdominal segment. Originally from Asia, they were first recorded in Europe in France in 2004 when it is believed a hornet arrived in a shipment of pottery from China. In 2016, the hornets were found in the UK for the first time in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The BBKA is now urging everyone to report any sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app. A spokesperson for the BBKA said: "It is important not to approach or disturb a nest, as although they are not generally aggressive towards people, they can be if they perceive a threat." Asian hornets are slightly smaller than European hornets and can be identified by their distinct markings. They have yellow legs, an orange face, and a dark black/ brown body with one yellow or orange stripe on the lower abdomen. Sightings can be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app - which is available to download for Android and Apple device - online at or by emailing alertnonnative@ For guidance on how to report and spot Asian hornets, you can head online here.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Asian hornet spotted in Mordon sparks fears of nest
An Asian hornet has been spotted in a village, sparking fears of a hornet was seen on 28 May in Mordon, County Durham, when the insect flew out of a polytunnel.A National Bee Unit inspector has visited the area and put up monitoring Campbell, from the British Beekeepers' Association, explained that just one queen hornet "could set up a nest". "What we are worried about is increasing numbers of Asian hornets in the UK," he said."We are seeing really scary numbers from the Channel Islands and we have had a very warm spring."The entire problem with hornets in Europe began with a few in the south of France 20 years ago."All it takes is one queen, so we don't take any reports lightly at all." There is still no confirmed origin of the hornet in Mordon, despite local Campbell added: "There is no apparent way of the hornet arriving there."It either managed to fly over the Channel or made it over through the transportation of goods."In 2025 there have been 24 sightings in England of Asian hornets so far, with concerns the number of nests needing to be destroyed will eclipse the 24 last invasive species feeds on native bees and wasps, damaging diversity. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Gardeners urged to plant £1.08 herb to deter Asian hornets
Asian hornets are a highly invasive species that were accidentally introduced to the UK in 2016. They are known to decimate bee populations and ravage ecosystems. Gardeners have been alerted to a surge in sightings of a fearsome hornet that wreaks havoc on bees and flowers – but luckily, there's one common herb that can keep them away available in most supermarkets. Asian hornets are an extremely invasive species that were unintentionally introduced to the UK back in 2016. They are notorious for decimating bee populations and devastating ecosystems. Even more alarming, their numbers in Britain are on the rise. There were 262 queen Asian hornets recorded on Jersey by April 11, 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of a whopping 1,090%. Asian hornets typically emerge from hibernation around April. To make matters worse, they favour warmer temperatures, suggesting that the recent heatwave has likely boosted their numbers. The concern arises from their predation on native pollinators, such as bumblebees. In fact, a single Asian hornet can kill and consume up to fifty bumblebees in a day, reports the Mirror. They also pose a risk to humans. These yellow-legged insects are slightly larger than average wasps and deliver a potent sting. In some instances, they can cause symptoms like a runny nose, abdominal pain and swelling of the lip or tongue. While no more dangerous than a wasp or bee sting, those with insect allergies should exercise caution. In the event of a severe reaction, they may experience anaphylactic shock. Differentiating between an Asian hornet and a common wasp in your garden isn't always simple, but there are clear indicators to look out for. According to the British Beekeepers Association, Asian hornets can be identified by their distinct yellow legs and a broad orange band on their abdomen's fourth segment. In case you spot what might be these invasive insects, stay calm – experts have shared a useful tip to repel them naturally. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Clancy Bros Pest Control has shared the following advice: "Wasps and hornets hate the smell of mint. You can plant mint around your house or keep a pot of mint near the areas where these pests are usually found. This will help to keep them away from those areas." You can easily find mint plants at Asda for just £1.08 to plant in your garden. It's advisable to grow mint in individual pots, ensuring fertile, well-drained soil and some exposure to sunlight. For those less inclined to gardening, Clancy Bros Pest Control also recommends using peppermint oil as a handy substitute, which has the advantage of a longer shelf life when stored in your cupboard. They further advise: "You can also use peppermint oil as it has the same effect. Just take a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it near their nest." If you encounter an Asian hornet, residents are encouraged to record their sighting in the Asian Hornet Watch app. Additionally, reporting can be done by sending a photo and location details to alertnonnative@ uk.
